With the increasing reliance on smartphones, managing your Android device directly from your PC can enhance productivity, streamline multitasking, and provide seamless access to your phone’s features. Whether you want to mirror your screen, transfer files, send messages, or even control apps remotely, several tools and methods can help you do this efficiently.
In this article, we’ll explore seven different ways to control your Android device from a PC, including both wired and wireless methods.
1. Using Windows’ Phone Link (Formerly Your Phone)
Best for: Managing calls, messages, and notifications.
Microsoft’s Phone Link (previously called Your Phone) is one of the most seamless ways to control an Android device from a PC, especially for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.
How to Set It Up:
- Download Phone Link on your Windows PC (usually pre-installed on Windows 10/11).
- Install the Link to Windows app from the Play Store on your Android device.
- Open Phone Link on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions to connect via QR code.
- Grant the necessary permissions on your phone.
Features:
✔️ View and send messages from your PC.
✔️ Receive and manage notifications in real time.
✔️ Make and receive calls through your computer’s microphone and speaker.
✔️ Access Android apps (on select Samsung devices).
✔️ View and transfer photos easily.
📌 Limitations:
- Limited functionality on non-Samsung devices.
- No full remote control capabilities (just basic interaction).
2. Using Google’s Scrcpy (Open-Source and Free)
Best for: Screen mirroring and full device control without latency.
Scrcpy is a powerful open-source tool that allows you to mirror and control your Android device via a USB connection. Unlike some alternatives, it is lightweight, fast, and free.
How to Use Scrcpy:
- Enable USB Debugging on your phone:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Go to Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging.
- Download Scrcpy from GitHub and extract the files on your PC.
- Connect your Android phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the Scrcpy folder, and run
scrcpy.exe.
Features:
✔️ Low-latency screen mirroring (great for gaming or app testing).
✔️ Full control of the device using a keyboard and mouse.
✔️ No installation required on your Android device.
📌 Limitations:
- Requires a USB connection (wireless support is experimental).
- No built-in file transfer features.
3. Using AirDroid (Best for Wireless Control)
Best for: Wireless file transfers and remote device management.
AirDroid is one of the most popular apps for remotely controlling an Android device from a PC without needing cables.
How to Set Up AirDroid:
- Install AirDroid from the Play Store.
- Open the app, create an account, and log in.
- Visit web.airdroid.com on your PC and log in.
Features:
✔️ Access and control your Android screen wirelessly.
✔️ Transfer files between devices effortlessly.
✔️ Send SMS and manage notifications from your PC.
✔️ Find and remotely control a lost device (with a premium subscription).
📌 Limitations:
- Free version has a data limit for file transfers.
- Some advanced features require root access.
4. Using TeamViewer QuickSupport
Best for: Providing remote assistance and troubleshooting.
If you need to remotely control an Android device for support or troubleshooting, TeamViewer QuickSupport is an excellent option.
How to Use TeamViewer QuickSupport:
- Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on your Android device.
- Install TeamViewer on your PC.
- Open the QuickSupport app and note down the ID.
- Enter the ID on your PC’s TeamViewer and request access.
- Accept the connection on your Android device.
Features:
✔️ Full remote control of Android (great for tech support).
✔️ View and interact with the screen in real time.
✔️ Transfer files and chat within the app.
📌 Limitations:
- Some features require a paid license.
- Limited compatibility with certain Android devices.
5. Using Vysor (Simple Screen Mirroring)
Best for: Quick screen mirroring with minimal setup.
Vysor is a Chrome extension and desktop app that lets you mirror and control your Android device with ease.
How to Use Vysor:
- Install Vysor on your PC.
- Enable USB Debugging on your phone.
- Connect your Android device via USB.
- Open Vysor and click Find Devices to connect.
Features:
✔️ Easy setup with minimal technical knowledge.
✔️ Allows keyboard and mouse input for full control.
✔️ Works via USB or wireless (with paid version).
📌 Limitations:
- The free version has limited features (no HD mirroring).
- Wireless mode is available only in the Pro version.
6. Using ApowerMirror (For Multimedia & Presentations)
Best for: Wireless screen mirroring for presentations and media streaming.
ApowerMirror is a feature-rich tool that supports both wired and wireless mirroring.
How to Use ApowerMirror:
- Install ApowerMirror on your Android device and PC.
- Connect via USB (for full control) or Wi-Fi (for mirroring).
- Open the app and follow the instructions to start mirroring.
Features:
✔️ Supports full-screen mirroring in high quality.
✔️ Allows screen recording and screenshots.
✔️ Works with both USB and Wi-Fi connections.
📌 Limitations:
- Free version includes a watermark on the screen.
- Premium subscription required for advanced features.
7. Using Pushbullet (For Notifications & Messaging)
Best for: Syncing notifications and sending messages from your PC.
If you don’t need full device control but still want to sync notifications, send SMS, and share links, Pushbullet is a lightweight and effective option.
How to Use Pushbullet:
- Install Pushbullet on your Android phone and sign in.
- Install the Pushbullet Chrome extension or desktop app.
- Sign in to the same account on both devices.
Features:
✔️ Sync notifications from phone to PC.
✔️ Send SMS and reply to messages.
✔️ Easily transfer files, links, and text between devices.
📌 Limitations:
- The free version has a 25-message daily limit.
- No screen mirroring or full device control.
Conclusion
There are several ways to control an Android device from a PC, each with unique benefits. If you need basic messaging and notifications, Microsoft’s Phone Link or Pushbullet are great options. For full remote control, Scrcpy, AirDroid, and Vysor are solid choices. If you want troubleshooting capabilities, TeamViewer QuickSupport is your best bet.
Which method do you prefer? Let us know!
